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Santa Monica To Observe National Animal Rights Day On May 31

Posted May. 21, 2014, 4:28 pm

Mirror Staff

National Animal Rights Day will be observed at Santa Monica Beach on Saturday, May 31, with a public requiem ceremony in which dozens of individuals will stand in formation cradling the bodies of deceased animals such as chickens, rabbits, cats and kittens, rats and mice, wild birds, and many others.

After the ceremony the Declaration of Animal Rights - a 70-foot long scroll declaring the rights of all animals bearing thousands of signatures from people from all over the world - will be unveiled, read by the children in attendance, and signed.

The observation begins at 12 Noon on May 31. At 12:45 p.m., participants will read and sign the Declaration of Animal Rights. From 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be speakers, info tables, and food for attendees and the public.

Participants are asked to meet just north of the Santa Monica Pier on the beach.

Parking: Best option is Lot 1 North, 1550 Palisades Beach Road, which is about 100 feet from the location on the sand. Cost is $12 for all day.

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May. 21, 2014, 5:16:08 pm

ted said...

I don't really care what people do but, in my opinion, you'd have to be more than a little nuts to participate said "requiem." What's next: it's now more moral to save the lives of three chickens from a fire while allowing a human to die?
P.S. I know a lot of people are going to call me Himmler or worse, but I can't stand the way dog owners consider the world (including my property) as their toilet.

May. 21, 2014, 8:04:16 pm

Elliot M. Katz, DVM said...

From Dr. Will Tuttle:“Harboring the idea of owning another living being is in itself an act of violence, and our outer violence toward nonhuman animals, which is so devastating to us all, springs from this idea. The vegan ideal of compassion for all life has as its core this same idea: that we are never owners of others. We can be their guardians, companions, friends and protectors, and this blesses us far more than we might think. The move from “owner” to “guardian” frees both the “owners” and the “owned,” and establishes the foundation for peace, freedom, and justice. We are all harmed by the culturally mandated ownership mentality that reduces beings to mere commodities, whether for food, clothing, entertainment, or the myriad of other uses. It is long past time for us to awaken from the cultural trance of owning our fellow beings, and instead see ourselves as their guardians. This is the very essence of compassion, sanity, and healthy relationships with nonhuman animals and with each other. I am grateful for and support IDA’s Guardian Campaign as an essential step in our individual and collective evolution to a brighter tomorrow for our children, and for the children of all our fellow beings.” Dr. Will Tuttle, author of the #1 Amazon best-seller, The World Peace Diet, and recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award.
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“One of the most destructive words we use when we speak of nonhuman beings, is "owner." The notion that other species are "property,” or commodities or things that we can "own," underlies every instance of animal abuse and exploitation. If we refer to ourselves as "guardians" rather than "owners," we begin to get to the root of the problem instead of putting out endless brushfires; we are reminded of our truest values as compassionate individuals. And each time someone reads or hears “guardian” in our public and private discourse, there will be a tiny spark of recognition that we are talking about a role that requires responsibility, compassion and care. Jan Allegretti, Founder, C.A.R.E.

May. 21, 2014, 8:36:48 pm

Elliot M. Katz, DVM said...

“Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission – to be of service to them wherever they require it.” St. Francis of Assisi.
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It is time to challenge and change the existing paradigm that sees and treats individuals of other species as “lesser” beings, as things, property, commodities and objects to be “owned,” to be bought and sold, exploited and killed for profit or when they are no longer useful. Elliot M. Katz, DVM

May. 23, 2014, 11:46:24 am

Gerry Mander said...

UGH! This sounds absolutely gruesome and certainly not a way to honor our animals. And to include children in this morbid observance? Sorry - count me out. There are many better ways for children to learn to love and respect animals.
What are these groups thinking??

May. 26, 2014, 3:55:47 pm

Patty Shenker said...

I participated last year and was so profoundly affected by this event, especially the memorial, that i am on the the committee for this event this year. I know it was profound for all who attended but i also know that many people who just happened on this event were changed. Please join us!

May. 28, 2014, 9:52:05 pm

Ellen Ericksen said...

It has been an privilege working on this event with our amazing team this year. There is no better way to honor the billions of animals that are killed every year. This was a history making memorial last year and this year it will be even more profound. Last years event changed me forever.